Overview
The Via Rhôna is one of France’s most exciting and varied cycling routes, following the Rhône River from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to France’s Mediterranean coast, covering over 815km. This section, cycling Orange to Sète over six days, is the perfect Provençal part, taking in the handsome historic cities of Orange, Avignon, Arlesand Aigues-Mortes, as well as many wine regions, the most famous being Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Stay in a mix of small, locally-owned hotels with luggage transfers. Traditional and e-bikes are available.
- Aigues-Mortes
- Avignon
- Arles
- Sète
- Wines of Provence and Côtes du Rhône
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Orange
Arrival in Orange, take the time to explore the city. Orange is home to a spectacular array of historical sights, including the Arc de Triomphe d’Orange and Théâtre Antique d’Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Accommodation: Hôtel le Glacier or similar in Orange
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel Le Clos d’Orange or similar in Orange
Day 2: Orange – Avignon | 35.7km
Start the day by cycling through the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the village should not be missed. Continue on to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend a stroll through the Old Town and a visit to the Palais des Papes.
- Cycling for the day: 35.7km ↑286m ↓306m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Médiéval or similar in Avignon
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel Mercure Pont d’Avignon Centre or similar in Avignon
Day 3: Avignon – Arles | 55.8km
Today’s route heads first to St Rémy. Take a break in a shaded square or wander the shops and cafes around the old centre. A visit to the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, pause to take in the Roman arch on the way to the Alpilles as well as views of Les Baux-de-Provence, a city built upon a rocky outcrop. Continue on to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire and end the day at the hotel.
- Cycling for the day: 55.8km ↑340m ↓343m
- Accommodation: Hôtel la Muette or similar in Arles
- Upgraded accommodation: Hôtel SPA Le Calendal or similar in Arles
Day 4: Arles – Aigues-Mortes | 52.2km
Cycle from Arles to Aigues-Mortes through small villages, before crossing the Camargue Gardoi. Continue along former towpaths beside the Canal du Rhône, crossing through marshland to reach the river port of Aigues-Mortes. Explore cobblestone streets, visit the towers of Malafère or Constance, and soak in the maritime ambiance of this historic French town.
- Cycling for the day: 52.2km ↑155m ↓170m
- Accommodation: Maison des Croisades or similar in Aigues-Mortes
Day 5: Aigues-Mortes – Sète | 63.3km
As the Via Rhôna route ends, the Mediterranean awaits with many beaches easily accessible by bike. Cycle along the Canal du Rhône and pass Le Grau-du-Roi. Between Palavas-les-Flots and Sète, close to Montpellier, the itinerary passes beaches and saltwater lagoons. Visit the Cathédrale de Maguelone for a glimpse of the Gardiole massif. End the tour at Port de Sète, on the edge of the Etang de Thau, and treat yourself to a refreshing drink in one of the many waterside restaurants.
- Cycling for the day: 63.3km ↑251m ↓253m
- Accommodation: Grand Hôtel de Sète or similar in Sète
Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. Upgraded accommodation is available at an additional supplement.
Click to view default hotels
- Hôtel le Glacier (Orange)
- Hôtel Médiéval (Avignon)
- Hôtel la Muette (Arles)
- Maison des Croisades (Aigues-Mortes)
- Grand Hôtel de Sète (Sète)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
- Hôtel Le Clos d’Orange (Orange)
- Hôtel Mercure Pont d’Avignon Centre (Avignon)
- Hôtel Le Calendal (Arles)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts are included throughout the trip. Lunch packs for the next day can be pre-ordered at the accommodation, or purchased along some routes. For dinner, you can visit a local restaurant or order from the a la carte menu in your accommodation.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for moderately-experienced cyclists and requires a good level of fitness due to the extended distances and occasional steep climbs (read more about difficulty grades). Daily distances are 35-64km, varying from flat to hilly terrain along the route. You can also rent an e-bike on this tour. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of April until the end of October. The best time for cycling is between May and September when the weather is generally good, and the average daily temperatures are 22-24C and up to 23C in July and August. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
For more information see our blog on the Best time to go to France.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Nîmes Grande Provence Méditerranée Airport (FNI) or Montpellier Airport (MPA)
By train or bus
- If you are able to travel to France without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail with train stations in Orange and Sète. For more details, see the national rail operator SNCF Connect or use the Omio planner above
- Arrival: There are train and bus options to Orange from all airports
- Departure from Sète: At the end of the trip you can take a train or bus from Sète to all airports
Inclusions
Included
- 5 nights accommodation
- 5 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer on cycling days (one piece per person, max 20kg)
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note, that the information pack for this tour is digital only and will be emailed to you prior to departure.
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Bike rental
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Accommodation upgrades
- Extra nights before the tour, along the way, and at the end of the tour can be booked on request
- Bike rental: hybrid and e-bikes available
- Printed tour information delivered to first hotel
Bike rental
Hybrid bikes and e-bikes are available to rent on this tour. All bikes are equipped with a helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and a bike lock.
Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models might be different depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
